How do I order food in Spanish, as an English speaker with no experience?

Answer 1

Ordering food in Spanish as an English speaker is simple if you remember a few key phrases and steps. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started:

1. Greet the Waiter

Begin with a polite greeting:

- "Hola, buenos días/tardes/noches" (Hello, good morning/afternoon/evening).

2. Ask for the Menu

- "¿Me puede dar el menú, por favor?" (Can you give me the menu, please?)

- "¿Tienen un menú en inglés?" (Do you have a menu in English?) — if you're unsure about understanding the menu.

3. Make Your Order

Use "Quisiera" (I would like) or "Me gustaría" (I would like) to order politely:

- "Quisiera un café y un sándwich, por favor." (I’d like a coffee and a sandwich, please.)

- If you’re pointing at something on the menu: "Esto, por favor." (This one, please.)

4. Ask for Recommendations

- "¿Qué me recomienda?" (What do you recommend for me?)

- "¿Cuál es el plato típico aquí?" (What is the local specialty?)

5. Make Modifications (If Necessary)

- "Sin cebolla, por favor." (Without onion, please.)

- "Con menos sal, por favor." (With less salt, please.)

6. Ask for the Check

When you're ready to leave:

- "La cuenta, por favor." (The check, please.)

Bonus Tips:

- Add "gracias" (thank you) and "por favor" (please) to keep things polite and friendly.

- If the waiter speaks too quickly, politely say: "¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?" (Can you speak more slowly, please?)

With these basics, you'll be able to navigate most dining situations. Bon appétit—or should I say, "¡Buen provecho!" 😊

Answer 2

Every country has their own right way on how to order food in a restaurant. Being raised in Mexico, you say "Me puede traer .(dish you chose) por favor? And right after the waiter/waitress takes your order, you say "Gracias" again. Don't forget to say "Gracias" again after they bring you your dish.

For example: Me puede traer una sopa de flor de calabaza, por favor?

Usually the waiter or waitress will say something around 'Con mucho gusto" while writing the order.

And you say "Thank you"

In other countries people might just say "Tráeme una sopa de flor de calabaza" or "Quiero una sopa de calabaza" without saying "Gracias" is not polite.

Answer 3

First become comfortable with the forms to ask for something...

you can say "Yo quiero (I want), Quisera (I would like), Dame (give me), yo preferio(I prefer)"

-I recommend saying "Yo quiero", as it is the most common way and most straightforward."

Then become comfortable with the food you want, and what its name is in Spanish, hopefully the restaurant has a menu for this!

Example of full sentence:

you: Yo quiero dos tacos de asada (I want two steak tacos)

server: bueno, con cilantro y cebolla solo, o con todo? (ok, with cilantro and onions only, or with everything?)

you: solo cilantro y cebolla, gracias! (only cilantro and onion, thank you)

detail: It is traditional too get the tacos with just onion and cilantro(tastes better too), however commonly Americans will make tacos with tomato, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and even more. When the server asks if you want it with everything, he is assuming you want it the American way...say no, you are trying to learn the language, learn the food as well!!

you: